Accepted Answer

Thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately by mailing in the ticket you plead Guilty to causing the accident through the "unsafe turn."

As to what this law firm can do to you:

The statute of limitations in California is 3 years for property damage. So the prior attorney was correct, their time period for suing you is over. Unless they have actually filed a lawsuit against you, they cannot sue you for this accident. EVER.

Many insurance firms send out threatening letters to people, knowing that the average person will simply get scared an pay them whatever they demand.

You are under no obligation to do so.

First they must substantiate their claim. Why are they saying that you owe $14,000? Was the car you hit a Mercedes or a BMW? That seems awfully high for a traffic accident with no injuries.

This seems to be the law firm / insurance company trying to scare you into paying a ridiculous demand. Before you agree to pay anything at all demand that they send you an itemized bill explaining what every single penny was spent on. That usually will make them go away completely.

If they continue to threaten or harass you, you can hire an attorney to demand that they stop, and if they don not, you can file harassment charges against them.

Consult with a local attorney before you make any big decision, but go ahead and demand an itemization of that $14,000.

By the way - you are at no risk for any criminal charges arising out of this, as long as you paid off the initial traffic ticket when you got it.

Good Luck!

Expert:	Bappelman
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	10/27/2009

Attorney

Licensed Attorney in Illinois and Wisconsin